Al Dhaid Date Festival officially begins on Thursday at Expo Al Dhaid in Sharjah. Organized by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), the event will continue until July 26, 2026. This year marks the festival’s 10th edition, celebrating a decade of supporting UAE farmers, preserving heritage, and promoting high-quality local date production.
The festival brings together palm growers, fresh date producers, government organizations, agricultural companies, and productive families from across the UAE. It has become one of Sharjah’s leading agricultural and cultural events, highlighting the importance of palm cultivation and encouraging innovation in farming.
The Al Dhaid Date Festival features a larger number of competitions this year. Organizers have expanded the contest lineup and introduced valuable prizes to encourage farmers to produce the best quality dates and agricultural products.
Competitions start on Thursday with the Khneizi Date Beauty Contest and the Local Lemon Competition. On July 24, participants will compete in the Khalas Date Beauty Contest and the Red Fig Competition.
The programme continues on July 25 with the Shishi Date Beauty Contest. On the same day, women working from home can take part in the Modern and Traditional Date Harvest Competition, which recognizes their role in preserving traditional farming practices.
The festival will end on July 26 with the announcement of winners in the General Al Dhaid Elite and Northern Emirates Al Dhaid Elite competitions. A special Children’s Date Beauty Contest will also take place, encouraging young participants to learn about the country’s agricultural traditions.
Besides competitions, visitors can enjoy many cultural and educational activities throughout the festival. Heritage programmes will showcase the traditions connected with palm cultivation, while commercial activities will support local businesses and agricultural products.
Experts in agriculture will also hold educational workshops. These sessions will focus on modern farming methods, palm tree care, and advanced cultivation techniques. Farmers will receive practical advice on improving productivity and producing better-quality dates using modern technologies.
Senior officials and visiting delegates are expected to attend the event. Their participation reflects the UAE’s continued efforts to strengthen its agricultural sector and support sustainable farming practices. The festival also provides an opportunity to exchange knowledge and encourage cooperation between farmers and agricultural specialists.
Families visiting the festival will have plenty to explore. They can discover different varieties of fresh dates, learn about the history of palm farming, and enjoy activities designed for all age groups. The event combines education, entertainment, and cultural experiences in one place.
The Al Dhaid Date Festival has grown into one of the UAE’s most important agricultural celebrations over the past ten years. It not only supports local farmers but also helps preserve the country’s rich heritage linked to palm trees and date cultivation.
By bringing together growers, experts, businesses, and families, the festival continues to promote innovation while honoring traditional farming values. As the 10th edition opens in Sharjah, visitors can expect several days of competitions, workshops, cultural experiences, and educational activities that celebrate one of the UAE’s most valuable agricultural traditions.
